Built-In Gas Griddles & Flat Top Grills

Built-In Griddles & Flat Top Grills | What to Look For

Installed directly into an outdoor kitchen island, built-in griddles and flat top grills can be serious game changers for those looking to level up their outdoor cooking or even start their grilling journey. That’s because these units can cook nearly any style, allowing them to churn out dishes that traditional gas grills cannot. And with even heat distribution across the surface, plus precise temperature control, it’s easy to achieve consistent results. Better yet, their exposed surface design provides you and your guests with an unmatched dining experience that rivals your local hibachi or teppanyaki restaurant.

Depending on the class, built-in gas griddles are often made of high-quality materials like commercial-grade stainless steel or cast iron, which are both designed to withstand high temperatures or heavy use. For instance, the Blaze Premium LTE Built-In Griddle is made from heavy-duty 304 stainless steel. The size of the outdoor griddle will greatly impact usage, specifically how much food you can cook. Most large flat top gas griddles measure between 34 and 42 inches with enough room for 6 burners. Medium units are around 27 and 33 inches wide with about 4 burners and the smaller griddles are often no wider than 26 inches and include 1 to 2 burners. No matter the number of burners, both natural gas griddles and propane units will require proper ventilation when installed into an outdoor kitchen. We recommend you do your homework before construction or installation by reviewing proper grill island ventilation planning.

As this kind of griddle is dropped in to an existing outdoor kitchen, users can ensure their outdoor aesthetic remains intact no matter what size or brand of the flat top grill. Just as useful, most models—whether freestanding or a built-in countertop griddle—include grease management systems that make cleaning up quick and easy. That way the outdoor kitchen island can continue to be used for all activities, including preparation or simply gathering the party.

Lastly, we encourage you not to consider a griddle as a replacement for a gas grill or a superior outdoor cooking appliance. Such comparisons ultimately come down to personal preference. Griddles provide a flat surface, which can accommodate a variety of foods that wouldn’t be as easily cooked on a grill’s cooking grates. That said, gas grills provide the ability to create different temperature zones, making them far more effective for smoking and roasting. Before purchasing a built-in griddle for your outdoor kitchen it’s worth thinking about what style of cooking you prefer and weighing those considerations.